Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Rockford, Illinois
Local (815)547-9600 or (888)4PDR-NOW
Local (815)547-9600 or (888)4PDR-NOW
- Water Extraction
- Water & Flood Damage Restoration
- Structural Drying
- Contents Restoration
- Reconstruction
- Predict-A-Dry
- Dry.in.3
| Ice Dam | |
|
|
| How an Ice Dam Forms | Ice Dam Quick Fix |
| Click here to enlarge | |
| Don't let this happen to you. | |
| Call Paul! for all your Emergency needs | |
Do you know how an ice dam forms?
Ice dams can form when a roof that is warmer than the eaves causes snow on the roof to melt, the water to flow down the colder eaves, and then re-freeze. As this cycle repeats, ice can back up or "dam" under shingles, allowing water to accumulate behind it. The water can leak through the roof and cause serious damage to walls, insulation, ceilings, and painted surfaces inside the home that may only get worse over time. However, there are some relatively simple steps one can take to prevent ice dams:
An ice dam quick fix
A permanent fix for ice dams require proper insulation, sealing, and ventilation in the attic; however if an ice dam has formed simply fill the leg of a discarded pair of pantyhose with a calcium chloride ice melter. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. If necessary, use a long-handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.
The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof.
This is only a temporary fix, so make sure that you call a certified restoration professional to inspect and repair any damages.
Ice dams can form when a roof that is warmer than the eaves causes snow on the roof to melt, the water to flow down the colder eaves, and then re-freeze. As this cycle repeats, ice can back up or "dam" under shingles, allowing water to accumulate behind it. The water can leak through the roof and cause serious damage to walls, insulation, ceilings, and painted surfaces inside the home that may only get worse over time. However, there are some relatively simple steps one can take to prevent ice dams:
- Proper insulation is the key - Attic spaces need to be kept cool so that the roof stays cold. Ideally, attics should have 12" of insulation.
- Seal areas where heat can escape into the attic. Likely spots include areas around chimneys, around electrical components, such as junction boxes and ceiling fans, plumbing vents, and any other passages through the attic floor.
- Ventilation - Less important than insulation, but still a factor in preventing ice dams; proper ventilation will allow any heat that does enter the attic to exit the space and be replaced by cold outside air.
An ice dam quick fix
A permanent fix for ice dams require proper insulation, sealing, and ventilation in the attic; however if an ice dam has formed simply fill the leg of a discarded pair of pantyhose with a calcium chloride ice melter. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. If necessary, use a long-handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.
The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof.
This is only a temporary fix, so make sure that you call a certified restoration professional to inspect and repair any damages.
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Rockford, Illinois
Each Paul Davis franchise is independently owned and operated.
Each Paul Davis franchise is independently owned and operated.
